There is more than fun involved when you have your child participate in team sports. Whether it is at school or in some other league, sports like baseball are a great way to instill good values in children including loyalty, teamwork, respect, sportsmanship, and dedication. It has now become a trend for many leagues and sporting events to provide kids baseball trophies to either the entire winning team or even all competition participants.
Unfortunately, some people have criticized this kind of action, suggesting that granting trophies to everyone can give them a sense of entitlement without accomplishment, especially if their team was not the winner. However, there are good reasons for allowing this trend to catch on.
Reinforces Good Behavior
When playing in a team event, there is a lot of communication, coordination, and effort put into trying to win. Even if a team does not eventually win the event, they may probably have put as much hard work into their effort. Granting each player a baseball trophy is a good way to acknowledge this effort and reward it. This way kids come to realize that as long as they are hardworking towards their goals, there is still some reward, even if not the top prize.
Keeps Them Motivated
Participation trophies are differently designed than those that are awarded to top teams in a competition. They can help serve as a reminder to players that they have done good work, but have not yet won the top prize. This can help encourage them to put more effort in the next season so they too can have a better trophy to add to their collection and show off to others. Many adults have kept their childhood trophies as a reminder of their past successes and this can even motivate them to work harder when turning to other pursuits.
Encourages an Active Lifestyle
Sports are a great way to encourage fitness in kids and adults. not many young people go to gyms or are self-motivated to just go on a run. They need a reason to want to get out and play outside. Team sports like baseball are a great way to get them active and loving it. When there is the hope of a baseball trophy at the end of the tunnel, they are more likely to stay the course and unconsciously adapt and become committed to an active lifestyle. This can hopefully last a lifetime, allowing them to enjoy better health even as adults.